Can Brady/Moss/Welker top their production of 2007?

RC:  They could, but they won't have to. The defense will be better in '08, so the Patriots won't have to out-score everybody. Also, with Jabar Gaffeny's role defined early, his increased numbers will reduce the burden on Moss and Welker.

WB: No, even lousy teams will be playing the pass and Maroney has a big year.

MD: I don’t think they will, as I believe there will be more focus on running the ball this year. The Patriots have the deepest backfield in the NFL, and they can hurt you in a number of different ways. Teams that spent all offseason trying to figure out how to shut down the Pats' passing attack are about to get a hefty dose of smash-mouth football.

Do the Jets and/or Bills worry you? One more than the other? Jets with Favre?

RC: The Bills might be on the cusp of breaking through this year. The team is young, with a lot of good players acquired through the draft. The Jets stocked their shelves by signing or trading for marquee free-agents.

New York's roster sounds good, but I want to see if they congeal into a cohesive unit on both sides of the ball. The edge goes to the Bills. Favre won't be enough to be better than the Bills. But both are still far behind the Patriots. I still expect a divisional sweep by the Pats.

WB: No. Favre will be benched for "trying to make plays" after Week Five. Oh, the Bills might make some noise later, based on the weak schedule.

MD: The Jets do worry me a bit, as they have added some quality pass rushers, and with the Unretired One flinging it back there, anything is possible. However, I do think the Patriots are still the better team and will win the AFC East.

The Bills will be healthy and, therefore, probably better. I still just don’t think they have enough offense or defense to match the Pats.

Who scares you more: Chargers or Colts?

RC: When the Bolts and Colts faced off in the Divisionals, it seemed the Chargers were clearly the better team. And in the AFC Championship, the offense moved the ball well with a limping QB Philip Rivers and no All-Pro RB LaDanian Tomlinson.

The Chargers are the most talented team in the league, and when healthy, they are the biggest threat to the Patriots.

WB: Is Manning dead? Chargers are without Merriman this year, and I think L.T. will be hobbled the rest of his career.

MD: I have to say the Colts. It’s always a war between them and the Pats, and with Peyton Manning back there, you’re never safe. Their defense plays hard and fast and can put pressure on Brady.

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